GM Might Actually “Dust Off” 4.5L Duramax According To Report

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To us, it would be a bit late for the shelved 4.5L Duramax Diesel project that was ceased in 2009 to make a comeback. It’s 2014 now, and the diesel game, along with GM’s engine technology, have evolved. Yet GM Vice President of Global Powertrain, Steve Kiefer, hints at just the thing, saying he’s the words “dust off” the 4.5L diesel engine have been thrown around lately.

This would ultimately mean a diesel engine option for its half-ton light duty trucks, and perhaps other full-size models to follow. Though while we fully believe a diesel half-ton GM truck will eventually come to fruition, we doubt it will utilize the 4.5L Duramax engine, which if you ask many engineers, is not leaving the R&D lab.

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22 Comments

This is great news! The Silverado and Sierra 1500 both need a diesel and that new 8-Speed Auto! I think the 2.8L should be offered in the Lambda’s, Theta’s and Alpha’s, because it has 350FT-LBS and is stated to get up to 35 mpg in the Colorado/Canyon! The 3.6L really needs Active Fuel Management and Intake Variable Valve Timing!

I have been a GM faithfull all of my life – but that’s all changing — GM is no longer an innovator – Ram has a higher rating than the GM and they put in a 6 cylinder diesel — I went and drove one — blows my 2013 Avalanche and my 2012 Silverado away – and the engine they are using is one that GM was working on putting in a European Cadillac – talk about being plain stupid – giving it away to the competition – Ram is selling these things like hot cakes and people are lining up to drive them — Toa late again GM– and Ford – 2015 – all new aluminum, body – 700 lbs off — outsells GMC and Silverado —
After driving GM,s for 48 years – I think it is time to look at the competition and spend my money elsewhere — GM _ you are losing!!!! and you will never catch up because the others are walking all over you/

I am thinking, while they are dusting, the Reagan era 6.2 diesel would really compliment the older than dirt pushrod gas engines.

Again, too little too late. If they are TALKING about it now, that means it MAY happen by 2018. I would bet money that GM will be last to offer a half ton diesel.

GM truck sales ought to have ground to a standstill by now, due to the engine fire recall, no decent incentives; and with an aluminum F150 chomping at the bit, and Ram and Titan diesels almost ready to go, people should be looking elsewhere!

I’m starting to think it’s too late for the 4.5L Duramax in the 1/2 ton pick-ups? Times are changing. Diesel powered trucks have always been about low end torque, pulling power and extended life. With the 3.0L V6 Diesel/8 spd. auto in the Ram, the focus is now squarely on fuel economy. While the 4.5L Duramax would totally out perform the Ram, how much extra would it cost? $4K? $5K? More? What about the fuel economy? The NEW full-size SUV’s may be the only place for this engine at this point? Many of them will be $50K+ anyway.

I think 4.5 duramax would be a little too big for a half ton truck, unless it’ll return over 25 MPG, but using this engine in a 3/4 ton would be ideal, most 3/4 ton customers don’t haul as much as 1 ton customers and 500+ lb. ft. Of torque is more then enough for a 3/4 truck (if you need more power then get a 1 ton. They offer them in both SRW and DRW). Also this engine would be great for full size vans.
Half ton trucks need to have 3.2 ish TD and target 30 MPG, with at least 450 lb. ft. Of torque.

A 3.2L TDI V6 sounds like a great idea! 450FT-LBS sounds promising too! The 4.5L is a very big diesel for a 1500. It will have more than enough power, but would it be able to compare to Ram’s Ecodiesel fuel economy?

The eight speed tranny would be the ace with the 4.5 diesel. The torque speed is 1600 rpm and that is where the 70 mph engine speed should be. The 3.2 diesel has a torque speed of 2200 rpm and that would be nice with smaller, lighter vehicle, but it won’t give you the versatility of the 4.5 liter engine. When you buy a pick-up truck or a suburban and all you are interested in is fuel mileage, try a hybrid..

I agree wholeheartedly with your statement! This engine would be great in a 3/4 ton truck, or even a 1-ton for those buying 1-tons for higher GVWR, and not necessarily for towing 20,000 lbs at Mach 6 with their hair on fire.
Of course, lots of old Dodges are running around pulling WAY overloaded hay wagons, making a whopping 170 hp, so maybe it wouldn’t be too bad for those types of folks, too.

@Steve and @KevinG,
I see it more as GM playing it smart. They actually do generate a lot, if not more, innovation compared to most other auto companies. However, when it comes to marketing, that is where they only get their feet wet and wait for everyone else to jump in the pool to find out what the temperature is. Its called low risk. You see it in almost everything they do, from automotive design to engineering. GM sticks to selling what works, while they quietly develop and perfect things in the background.

I remember reading an article a while back when GM first post ponded the 4.5 Duramax. It said then it was willing to work with a 3rd party to help build and produce this engine. Well why not Partner up with CAT ???? Still be a GM engine but have the CAT name on it.. It would be so cool to pop the hood and see that yellow diesel under my hood. It would be a win win for GM. Its all about brand names. You’d bring in more buyers like myself that are in the construction world and like our CATS, Would be awesome to see the Powered by CAT on the side of my GMC . Now come on GM already and get those diesels into the 1500’s

Wanted a diesel Tahoe or Burb in 09′ but now the 14′ Burb is 66K+ put a TD in it and chevy will want close to 70 K!!! Not from me, my 11′ Burb stickered for 54K, I bought it with 07′ Burb trade for 36k out the door. Won’t pay over 40 O.T.D. For a diesel Burb, sorry Chevy good luck…